Sea Freight from China to Singapore: The Ultimate Guide 2025
著者： / November 20, 2025
Shipping goods from China to Singapore via sea freight is a cornerstone of trade between these two economic powerhouses. Whether you are a small business owner or a large corporation, understanding the logistics landscape is crucial for optimizing your supply chain.
If you are looking to import goods from China to Singapore, it is important that you understand the process and what is involved. There are a few things that you need to take into consideration when shipping freight from China to Singapore, such as customs rules and regulations (especially the Goods and Services Tax – GST), as well as the cost of shipping. In this blog post, we will provide you with all the information you need to know about Sea Freight from China to Singapore.
1. How to Ship from China to Singapore via Sea?
In the age of global trade, the movement of goods across the South China Sea is vital. Sea freight is often the preferred choice for shipping from China to Singapore due to its cost-effectiveness and capacity to transport large volumes. We’ll explore the intricacies of sea freight from China to Singapore, providing insights into the process and key considerations for businesses and importers.
Choose GWT Shipping as Your Freight Forwarder: Start by selecting a reputable freight forwarder like GWT Shipping. We will help you navigate the complexities of shipping from China to Singapore, from booking to final delivery.
Determine Your Cargo Type and Volume: Identify the type of goods you’re shipping, their dimensions, weight, and volume. This will determine if you need FCL (Full Container Load) or LCL (Less than Container Load).
Packaging and Labeling: Ensure your goods are properly packaged and labeled according to international shipping standards to prevent damage during transit.
Choose a Port of Origin in China: China has several major ports. Select the one most convenient for your supplier: Shanghai, Shenzhen, Ningbo, Guangzhou, or Qingdao.
Select a Port of Destination in Singapore: Singapore’s port (PSA) is one of the world’s busiest transshipment hubs. Your goods will likely arrive here or at Jurong Port.
Container Selection: Determine whether you need a 20ft, 40ft, or 40ft HQ container based on your cargo volume.
Documentation and Customs: Prepare necessary documents: Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, Packing List, and Certificate of Origin (if applying for tariff preferences). Ensure compliance with Singapore Customs regulations.
Shipping Quote and Booking: Request a shipping quote from GWT Shipping. Once you’re satisfied with the terms and competitive pricing, make a booking.
Cargo Insurance: Consider cargo insurance to protect your goods against damage or loss during the voyage.
Transit Time and Tracking: Sea freight from China to Singapore is relatively fast, typically taking 4 to 12 days port-to-port. GWT provides tracking to keep you updated.
Customs Clearance in Singapore: Work with GWT’s local team to handle clearance, including the payment of the 9% GST (Goods and Services Tax) required for imports.
2. Sea Freight Options: FCL vs. LCL
When shipping via sea, you have two main options:
1. FCL (Full Container Load): This is ideal if you have enough cargo to fill a container (usually 20ft or 40ft). You pay for the entire container, which is often more cost-effective for large volumes and faster since there is no consolidation/deconsolidation process.
2. LCL (Less than Container Load): If you don’t have enough goods to fill a container, LCL allows you to share space with other shippers. You only pay for the volume (CBM) you use. It’s perfect for smaller shipments but may take slightly longer due to handling at both ports.
When to Choose Sea Freight?
Cost-Effective: It is significantly cheaper than air freight, especially for heavy or bulky goods.
Large Volume: Best for shipments over 100kg or 1 CBM.
Not Urgent: While faster than trans-pacific routes, sea freight is still slower than air freight (1-3 days).
For any questions, feel free to GWT Shippingまでお問い合わせください。 当社チームが、お客様の具体的なニーズに合わせて、専門的かつ国際基準に準拠したアドバイスをご提供いたします。
3. Cheapest Shipping from China to Singapore
The shipping cost from China to Singapore varies based on the carrier, cargo weight/size, and destination services.
As of late 2025, the estimated ocean freight costs from China to Singapore are:
20ft Container: Approx. $350 – $600 USD
40ft Container: Approx. $600 – $1,000 USD
LCL (per CBM): Approx. $20 – $50 USD
Note: These are base port-to-port rates. Additional costs include terminal handling charges (THC), documentation fees, and Singapore’s 9% GST.
Factors Affecting Rates:
Type of Cargo: General cargo vs. dangerous goods (batteries, liquids).
Container Size: 20ft vs 40ft vs 40HQ.
Fuel Prices: Fluctuations in bunker adjustment factors (BAF).
Seasonal Demand: Rates spike before Chinese New Year and during Q4 (Holiday Season).
To get accurate and up-to-date ocean freight rates, contact GWT Shipping directly. We can provide a custom quote based on your specific needs.
4. Shipping Time from China to Singapore
Sea freight transit times from China to Singapore are short compared to other international routes.
Estimated Transit Times (Port-to-Port):
| Origin Port | Destination (Singapore) | トランジットタイム |
| Shenzhen (Shekou/Yantian) | シンガポール | 4 – 6 Days |
| Guangzhou (Nansha) | シンガポール | 5 – 7 Days |
| 香港 | シンガポール | 4 – 5 Days |
| アモイ | シンガポール | 6 – 8 Days |
| 寧波 | シンガポール | 7 – 9 Days |
| 上海 | シンガポール | 8 – 10 Days |
| 青島 | シンガポール | 10 – 13 Days |
| 天津 | シンガポール | 12 – 15 Days |
Note: Door-to-door delivery will add 2-5 days for customs clearance and local trucking.
5. Customs Declaration and GST in Singapore
Singapore Customs is efficient, but compliance is key.
HS Code: Determine the correct Harmonized System code for your goods to check for any restrictions.
GST Payment: All non-dutiable goods imported into Singapore are subject to a 9% Goods and Services Tax (GST) on the CIF value (Cost + Insurance + Freight).
Permits: You (or GWT acting on your behalf) must obtain a Customs Import Permit via TradeNet before the goods arrive.
GWT Shipping can handle the entire customs process for you, ensuring no delays or penalties.
6. Freight Forwarder from China to Singapore: Why GWT?
Choosing the right freight forwarder is critical for a smooth supply chain. Here is why GWT Shipping stands out:
Experience: Years of specialized experience in the China-Southeast Asia route.
Full Service: We offer DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) services, meaning we handle shipping, customs, GST payment, and final delivery to your door.
Transparency: No hidden fees. Clear, itemized quotations.
Warehousing: We offer consolidation services in our China warehouses (Shenzhen, Guangzhou, etc.) to combine goods from multiple suppliers into one shipment, saving you money.
結論
Importing from China to Singapore via sea freight is a strategic choice for businesses looking to balance cost and efficiency. With short transit times and competitive rates, it is the backbone of trade between the two nations. However, navigating customs regulations, GST calculations, and choosing between FCL and LCL can be complex.
Partnering with a professional freight forwarder like GWT Shipping ensures your goods arrive safely, on time, and within budget. We handle the logistics so you can focus on growing your business.
FAQ（よくある質問）
Yes. Singapore Customs imposes a 9% Goods and Services Tax (GST) on all non-dutiable goods imported into Singapore. The GST is calculated based on the CIF value (Cost of goods + Insurance + Freight).
※ For air freight/courier shipments with a CIF value below S$400, GST relief may apply. However, for most sea freight shipments, GST is mandatory. GWT’s DDP service can handle this payment for you.
FCL (Full Container Load): You hire the entire container (20ft or 40ft). It’s faster and safer because the container is sealed from the factory to your destination. It is cost-effective if you have enough cargo (usually >15 CBM).
LCL (Less than Container Load): You share container space with other shippers. You only pay for the volume (CBM) you use. It is best for smaller shipments (e.g., 1-10 CBM) but takes slightly longer due to consolidation.
To clear customs smoothly, you typically need:
Bill of Lading (B/L): The official transport document.
Commercial Invoice: Showing the value of goods (for GST calculation).
Packing List: Detailing the weight, dimensions, and contents.
Customs Import Permit: GWT can apply for this on your behalf via TradeNet.
Yes, this is one of our specialties. We can collect goods from different suppliers (Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Yiwu, etc.) into our warehouse, combine them into one shipment, and ship them to you in Singapore. This saves you significant money on shipping fees and destination charges.
It is relatively fast.
Port-to-Port: 4 to 10 days (depending on the departure port like Shenzhen vs. Qingdao).
Door-to-Door: 7 to 15 days (including customs clearance and local delivery).
Yes. We offer a comprehensive DDP Sea Freight service. We pick up the goods in China, handle export declaration, shipping, Singapore customs clearance (including GST payment), and deliver the goods directly to your doorstep or warehouse in Singapore. You pay one all-inclusive price with no hidden fees.
Ready to ship?
For any cargo you are about to ship from China to Singapore, trust GWT Shipping to deliver.
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